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The Snowman to be remade by Channel 4

Story by Jack Foley

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CLASSIC Christmas animation The Snowman is to be re-made for Channel 4 in 2012, it has been announced.

The classic 1982 programme will get a “fresh” but “not identical” remake in time for winter 2012 and will be completed using traditional animation techniques by most of the original creative team. It will cost an estimated £2 million.

The original 26-minute film was based on the 1978 story by Raymond Briggs. It was directed by Dianne Jackson and featured the memorable theme song Walking In The Air, which was sung by Peter Auty in the film but made famous later by Aled Jones.

That song will be replaced by a new song, while the animation itself will incorporate new elements, including a new boy, a snow dog as an extra character and updated landmarks such as the London Eye.

It will also have small inclusions of computer-generated animations, which could give rise to a 3D cinema version.

Raymond Briggs has given it his blessing even though he has declined to get involved in the creative process.

But Camilla Deakin, of Lupus Films, said: “One of the lovely things about this is that it’s so well supported by Channel 4 – all the animators can work here, in one studio, with pencils and paper.

“I run an animation company and it is so rare to get to make things in the UK, because we have no government support, unlike our French, Canadian and Irish competitors.”

The new-look Snowman will be screened as part of Channel 4’s 30th anniversary programming in November 2012.